High-Density Polyethylene/Carbon Black Composites in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing: Conductivity, Thermal, Rheological, and Mechanical Responses

Abstract

High-density polyethylene polymer (HDPE) and carbon black (CB) were utilized to create HDPE/CB composites with different filler concentrations (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 16.0, 20.0, and 24.0 wt.%). The composites were extruded into filaments, which were then utilized to fabricate 3D-printed specimens with the material extrusion (MEX) method, suitable for a variety of standard mechanical tests. The electrical conductivity was investigated. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were carried out for all the HDPE/CB composites and pure HDPE. Scanning electron microscopy in different magnifications was performed on the specimens’ fracture and side surfaces to investigate the morphological characteristics. Rheological tests and Raman spectroscopy were also performed. Eleven different tests in total were performed to fully characterize the composites and reveal connections between their various properties. HDPE/CB 20.0 wt.% showed the greatest reinforcement results in relation to pure HDPE. Such composites are novel in the MEX 3D printing method. The addition of the CB filler greatly enhanced the performance of the popular HDPE polymer, expanding its applications.